Jakarta, Public Relations LIPI. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) together with the Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education (Menristekdikti) accompanied by the Task Implementer of the Head of Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), and the Deputy of Science of Engineering LIPI officially opened the grand event of Indonesia Science Expo (ISE) 2017, Monday (23/10), at Balai Kartini Jakarta.

This science exhibition was expected to be the arena of optimizing the utilization of science and technology (Iptek) in Indonesia. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Puan Maharani, in her opening speech said that infrastructure development would be better if it was supported by innovative research.

"You can imagine the innovative and creative research that can be done if there is a right container to simulate it so that we can advance science," he said.

According to her, the event of ISE could be a container for the utilization of this science and technology. ISE is able to present various circles ranging from industry, scientist, private, government to other stakeholders to meet and synergize in national development.

On the other hand, Puan highlighted that the current utilization of science and technology was not yet optimal in supporting economic sectors such as mining, agriculture, plantation and other sectors. In fact, if science and technology succeeded in sustaining the economic sector with creative and innovative research, it could contribute more to the national economy. Why is the use of science and technology not yet optimal? Puan mentioned that the problem lied in the low budget allocation.

"Currently, we are working on coordinated research so that the research direction can contribute optimally to the nation," she explained.

Although the use of science and technology and research has not been optimal, she also noticed that the achievement of science and technology of this country also deserved appreciation. She appreciated LIPI as a research institution that produced the highest patent in Indonesia that was 513.

"With the high number of patents, we have to start thinking whether the patents are only owned by us or may be sold and used by others," she said.

Puan hoped LIPI could strengthen the character of science and technology on national development.

"One key to the success of Iptek is the synergy between ministries, institutions, and universities with industry and private parties as users of research results. This is important for the process of optimal downstream research results," she said.

The Competitiveness of the Minister of Research and Technology, Mohamad Nasir, revealed that research, science, and technology are currently the determinants of the nation's competitiveness.

"Increasing the nation's competitiveness in today's modern era is absolutely supported by the capacity and competence of adequate research, so it produces global competitive innovation," she said.

To that end, Nasir expected the awareness of the importance of science and technology in improving competitiveness and welfare should be continued to  encourage and be grown in all circles and age ranges.

"Today, we can see various works of researchers, engineers, lecturers, innovators and even future researchers of future Indonesian scientists at the ISE event. It certainly provides positive energy and fresh air for all of us and gives hope that Indonesia can compete with other countries," she explained.

She said, the Ministry now continued to improve the capacity and competence of science and technology in Indonesia.

"This has been outlined in the National Research Master Plan (RIRN) 2017-2045. RIRN becomes the starting point to form an independent Indonesia through the mastery and the benefits of science and technology globally, "he continued.

Then being associated with ISE 2017, Nasir appreciated this activity as one of the efforts to encourage the development of national science and technology. ISE was expected to further echo the windows of science in Indonesia and even internationally.

Innovative Research

Laksana Tri Handoko, Deputy of Science of Engineering LIPI said, ISE showcased hundreds of innovative research work of the citizens. The purpose of ISE was to communicate or socialize what Indonesian researchers had done in the field of research and its benefits to the wider community.

"We also want  that the results of research could benefit the community, both short-term to long-term," she said.

Handoko stressed that research, science, and technology had become the foundation in the law in Indonesia.

"As a research institution, LIPI always synergizes in continuing the making  of innovative researchs. In addition, we are preparing a container for teenagers and Indonesian researchers to conduct useful research, "he said.

For information, ISE 2017 itself was attended by 176 science exhibitors from ministries, institutions, universities, and the private sector. In addition to the science exhibition, there were other activities in ISE this time, such as the award of Science Based Industrial Innovation Awards (SBIIA), LIPI Young Science Award (LYSA), winners of the National Young Inventor Awards (NYIA) and the winners of the Scientific Writing Competition of Youth (LKIR) . To succeed ISE to be more acceptable to the community, LIPI took the promoter iD.M. (lyr, pwd)

Source: Bureau of Cooperation, Law and Public Relations LIPI